Tom Riley: Capaldi Will “Completely Revitalise” Doctor Who

Series 8 guest star Tom Riley thinks new Doctor Peter Capaldi will “completely revitalise” Doctor Who when the show returns later this year.

Speaking to Flicks and the City at the BAFTA Craft Awards, Riley said we can expect a “change of tone” in the next run of episodes.

Riley, strongly fancied to be playing Robin Hood in a Mark Gatiss penned story, reckons Capaldi will “smash it” when he takes over the role. Although understandably secretive about what we can expect from the story, the Da Vinci’s Demons star promises a “really fun episode”.

He’s careful to stress that he doesn’t feel the programme needed revitalising, but it’s an interesting thought. Following the roaring success of the programme’s 50th anniversary celebrations it could hardly be said to be in need of a lift. But comments by Steven Moffat and other members of the production team in recent interviews have hinted at a new direction in the next series, indicating they felt the need to shake things up.

What do you think? Was Doctor Who getting a bit comfortable? Has change come not a moment too soon?

has watched Doctor Who since those great big spiders did for Jon Pertwee, and it's way too late to stop now. When he's not at his job working for a charity he spends his time following Hull City's fortunes, listening to Bruce Springsteen and wondering why it took thirty years too long for Doctor Who action figures to come along.